The history of the development of northern beekeeping in the conditions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Abstract

Currently, bee products have become one of the competitive types of agricultural products. Due to their useful properties, their relevance remains on top. Bee products began to be sold in many markets, including in the Arctic regions of Russia. The population of the far north began to use local products of northern beekeeping more often, in view of their usefulness. For many years, breeding of bees has been practiced in Yakutia. In Soviet times, apiaries were used on collective farms, eventually gaining experience in keeping heat-loving insects in the harsh Yakut winters. However, until now, the production of Yakut honey has not acquired an industrial scale, and remains at the level of production of individual beekeepers - enthusiasts. The temperature range in this Far Eastern region is huge. In winter it reaches up to - 60°C. But for all the severity of winter, summer here can be quite hot and not so short-term. Due to its climatic data, the south of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) is considered the most suitable for beekeeping. Also, the middle part of the region up to Yakutsk is suitable for it. The abundance of honey plants growing in Yakutia speaks in favor of Yakut beekeeping: black and red currants, blueberries, lingonberries, rosehip, raspberries, spirea, white clover, alfalfa, clover and others. But the main base for honey bees is cypress (ivan-tea). The abundance of honey plants is supported by a healthy ecological environment in which they grow. This fact makes Yakut honey one of the most environmentally friendly in the world. Beekeepers say that even though it is expensive to produce, it more than pays for the high cost with its quality, which should be appreciated by wealthy buyers from all over the world. The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) can become an excellent alternative to other branches of the agricultural complex, which are unable to develop here due to unsuitable natural conditions. Locals do not trust the quality of goods brought from other countries too much. Therefore, many people prefer not to buy honey at all. But the greater the demand for high-quality native honey, the more incentives local beekeepers will have to develop their farms.